Kronwall should benefit from Stuart's return

As MLive.com's own Ansar Khan reports, the Red Wings will receive a badly-needed shot of physical play in the form of Brad Stuart, who should make his return after missing a month with rib and back injuries against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. Stuart told the Detroit News's Dave Dye that

February 24, Detroit News: "We went at it pretty good and he survived," [Wings coach Mike] Babcock said of Monday's practice.

Stuart has missed 14 games because of back and rib injuries.

"I'm confident now that it's healed," he said. "I'm sure I'm going to feel it a little bit when I get hit or if I give a hit. But I'll just be excited to get back in the lineup. I'll try to use that energy."

As the Free Press's Helene St. James suggests, the Niklas Kronwall should benefit most directly from Stuart's return:

February 24, Detroit Free Press: "I'm happy that he's back," Kronwall said. "This year I was struggling a little bit, but I think we can both find our way back to playing like we did last year, and that's going to help our team a lot more. We just need to play physical out there and keep the game simple."

Stuart's absence provided the opportunity to put Kronwall with Nicklas Lidstrom, who imbued Kronwall with the confidence he needed.

"Oh, yeah, for sure," coach Mike Babcock said. "The big thing was we just wanted him to settle down and get playing, and I think he's done a real good job of that."

Kronwall had an especially good game last Wednesday against Nashville, producing two assists and delivering a big hit on Jordin Tootoo.

"Just the fact that the timing is coming back and you're more involved overall in the game is very important," Kronwall said. "Playing with Nick has helped me a lot, just to kind of find my way back to my own game. He's just one of those guys that always makes everyone around him a lot better. I feel like I'm on my way."